25 Superb Ways to Save Money for Moms on a Budget
I haven’t met a mom who isn’t on a budget. It doesn’t matter whether she is a working mom or a Stay At Home Mom. Moms are always looking for ways to save money.
Running a household is expensive. 😑
And when you have children, you need to have the skills of a project manager, accountant and CEO at the same time.
Please, can you not think of celebrity moms (or parents) at this point?😏
As tricky as this particular position as a house manager is, there are some ways to control the situation. One challenging and often problematic area of this job is the financial aspect.
Financial burdens always occur in average-to-low-earning homes. And depending on how you handle it, it has the power to cause discord in the house. This is why I’m giving you tips on stretching every naira or whatever currency you use.
25 Money Saving Tips for Moms on A Budget
Here are 25 tips you can consider that will help you to save money on a budget.
1. Don’t Buy What You Can’t Afford:
This is the simplest and yet hardest tip to follow.
For some strange reason, people always want things they can’t have.
Do you think it’s a joke?
Then, tell me why we do have more cases of people living above their means than below?
Dear Mamma, don’t be tempted to buy anything that will cause a deficit in your budget.
Be grateful and content with what you have.
2. Have a Budget and stick with it:
Drawing up a budget is essential.
Imagine going to a supermarket or boutique without a list.
That is like giving me a blank check.
When there’s no plan, you are more susceptible to spending more than you ought to.
Create a budget annually or quarterly, or even monthly.
This budget should contain allocations for food, clothing, rent, school, family outings, etc.
Nevertheless, budgeting isn’t enough. It would help if you had the discipline to stick with it.
3. Plan Your Meals before Time:
Having a meal timetable is necessary.
Some people dislike it.
It reminds me of boarding school, and I don’t love the predictability of the next meal.
It doesn’t matter your preference; planning your meal way before meal time helps you prepare and save accordingly.
Having a meal table also helps you plan your budget and even reduces the stress of thinking about what to eat every day.
4. Eat More At Home.
Eating in and cooking your food is always cheaper than eating out.
It’s also healthier.
Who doesn’t want a healthy family?
Granted, eating at home can be bland, and cooking can be stressful, but it is best.
I know cooking doesn’t come naturally to most people, but for the sake of your pockets, learn some basic cooking techniques and the recipe for essential foods.
If your partner can cook, enlist him too. If cooking isn’t your thing, it gets tiring fast.
5. Do Fun Things At Home:
If you can avoid going out to spend money, seize the chance with both hands.
Instead of going out to see a movie every Friday, you can have a movie night at home with either homemade or store-bought popcorn.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge once in a while, but it’s necessary to limit the way you spend.
Additionally, it makes for good memories and family bonding.
6. Be Intentional About Saving:
I learnt early about saving.
If you want your children to be good savers in the future, you have to start showing them how right now.
Save as much as possible. Remember that you also have to plan for your retirement and emergencies.
Cultivate a saving culture.
Read this next:
8 Important Life Lessons Every Mom Must Teach Their Children
7. Learn To Repair Basic Things around the House:
You have to see the looks on people’s faces when I tell them I can change tires or do some simple plumbing.
These are still not accepted as female jobs. Duh!!
Who cares about that when it can save me some money?
Learn some basic skills that will save some cost.
8. Learn Some Beauty Hacks:
If you love looking good and even have daughters, it’s essential to know some hair and makeup basics.
This will help you to save some trips to the hairdresser.
Sewing is also a handy skill.
9. Let the Children Share Items:
There’s no point for every child to have their things all the time.
If it’s an outfit or shoes, let them know that it isn’t for a particular person, and they are expected to share.
This will prevent you from having to buy for all children the same item when you can get one for them to share.
Helpful article:
6 Ways to Teach Your Children the Habit of Sharing
10. Don’t Throw Leftover Food:
This is very important.
Waste isn’t necessary.
My grandma says that it is a sin against God.
Learn not to cook overboard.
And even when you do, reheat it and eat it with a different garnishing or make something else out of it. Mbok!
11. Use A Little Less Product:
Don’t go overboard with detergents, shampoo, lotion, etc.
Use what will be just enough or start with a little, then add up.
12. Don’t Be Pressured By Social Media or Online Vendors:
Everyone wants to sell their product.
But start making a habit out of refusing to give away your money… especially when it’s not necessary to do so.
If you can’t afford that frying pan, scroll past it.
13. Recycle Some Items:
Learn to reuse and reinvent items.
For example, you can use an old towel as a floor cloth or hand towel or as a kitchen rag.
Be creative around the house.
14. Sell Some Old Items:
If you’re not using an item anymore, sell it.
This will give you a little sum that can help the household.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a little extra cash. You can decide to sell some fashion items if you have any.
Helpful article:
15 Common Items You Can Sell To Make Money from Home
15. Don’t Go Overboard For Christmas and Other Celebrations:
It is easy to go over and beyond in seasons of celebration. But don’t.
January is usually the tightest month concerning finances.
This is because of the spending in December.
Have a budget that is primarily for holiday time.
16. Collect Coupons:
Always look for coupons.
Coupons will help you save some money and get the same products for less.
Look for them in newspapers, magazines, online, supermarkets, product packages, etc.
17. Always Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk:
When you have children, everything finishes faster.
Try as much as possible to stock up on toiletries, foodstuff, etc.
Buying in bulk saves you both money and time.
18. Know How to Preserve Food And Other Items Effectively:
It’s not enough for you to buy in bulk.
You also have to know how to store them accordingly.
If you can’t store them well, they end up spoiling or occupying so much space.
19. Learn To Say ‘NO’ To Your Kids:
Kids ask for things a lot.
It can be hard saying no to them, especially if you can afford what they’re asking for.
However, this is part of training, and it’s an important life skill.
If you can’t afford what they ask of you, don’t feel guilty for saying no.
20. Have a Separate Account for Emergencies:
Many couples have joint accounts.
However, you can get another one that will be devoted to savings and other emergencies.
You can also have a separate account just for everything concerning the children’s school.
Separating your money to know what amount is for a specific need is essential.
21. Buy Things When They Are In Season:
This is especially true for foodstuff. When some foodstuff is in season, don’t hesitate to buy it.
For holidays like Christmas, it is better to buy before December.
There’s usually a hike in prices during Christmas, Easter, etc.
22. Buy at Discount Prices:
Grab any discount offer with your two hands.
Make the most out of black Fridays.
It would help if you also learned to haggle for a better price.
23. Get a Job:
Having a job is necessary.
Not many homes can survive on a one-person income anymore.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, look for ways to make money while at home.
Women are always advised to have a source of income.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s part-time or full-time.
24. Return Empty Containers or Bottles For A Price:
I know for a fact that when you return some amount of beer bottles, you are liable for some extra beer.
This is also like using the same airline more than five times and getting a discount on your next flight.
When I was little, for gathering and submitting about 24 empty packets of Indomie noodles, you can get Indomie in return.
Ask around and know how to use empty stuff to get more valuable things around the house.
25. Do It Yourself (DIY):
This is very important.
There are so many things you can learn online if you want to.
You can learn how to make antiseptic, detergent, etc., to save some cost.
In conclusion, there are a lot of ways to maximize every cent.
As you grow in this mom business, you will continue learning some hacks.
Bonus Tip: Start Your Stay At Home Mom Business:
You can permanently save money by following the tips in this article.
However, one sure way to not be bothered about money is actually to make more money.
So, you might consider making money for yourself to increase your finances.
Need some help?
Get this helpful guide:
The Business Side of a Stay at Home Mum
PS:
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Keep being #fabulous 💋
Rooting for you.
Viv 🧡
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